Photo Gallery | Good news from Cherokee schools: Spring 2012 edition

Students Sidney Naliwajka and Nicholas Stinson were chosen to perform at this year's Shuler Hensley Awards, a program that recognizes the best high school musical theater productions in metro Atlanta. They are pictured with Shuler Hensley, for whom the awards are named; the Marietta native has had a long and varied professional theater career, which includes originating the role of the Monster in 'Young Frankenstein' on Broadway.

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, Mar. 19

In honor of Pi Day (3/14), 5th graders performed several activities, including measuring the diameter, radium, area and circumference of Moon Pies, and bringing in their own delicious homemade pies for a baking contest.

Cherokee County School District

Bascomb Elementary, Mar. 14

Several local volunteers, including Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo and Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison, read to students on Read Across America Day. Here, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques spends time with Suzy Gebhart's 4th grade class.

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Mar. 14

David Fifield, whose son Tyler Foster attends the school, donated several plants to spruce up the grounds. He and a crew of volunteers trimmed trees and shrubs, mulched flowerbeds and seeded bare fields on campus.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jon Howell, David Fifield and Tyler Foster
BACK ROW: (l-r) Joel Mosteller, Alex Smith, Paul Coker and Jean McDonald

Cherokee County School District

Woodstock Elementary, Mar. 13

Art teacher Pam Morgan received the Award of Excellence from the National Art Education Association Conference. She was also recognized for her work as the Georgia Youth Art Month Coordinator.

Cherokee County School District

Cherokee High, Mar. 13

To help raise money to send students to the CTI (Career and Technical Instruction) Leadership Conference, Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood agreed to be "locked up" as a celebrity prisoner in the school's fundraiser.

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Mar. 13

Vardry Wilson, a school custodian, recently celebrated his 80th birthday. The Canton High grad (Class of 1950) worked as a plumber for 36 years before joining the school's staff in 2007. "Mr. Wilson is one of the most dedicated, caring and hardworking employees I have ever had the privilege of working with," principal Kathleen Chandler said.

Cherokee County School District

Hickory Flat Elementary, Mar. 13

Students Jackson Taylor (l) and Andrew Doerr placed second in their division at the Georgia Educational Technology Fair. The boys built a robotic arm and wrote computer code for it to pick up a ball and drop it in a cup.

Cherokee County School District

Oak Grove Elementary, Mar. 9

Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal (l), pictured with principal Dr. Jennifer Scrivner, read 'Who I'd Like to Be' to kindergarten students. The book was written by Georgia author Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by her great-granddaughter, Alexandria Elizabeth Brown.

The March Writers of the Month got to take a limousine ride and enjoy a special lunch, thanks to the school's Partners in Education.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Jack Sims and Mason Lanning
BACK ROW: (l-r) Wade Whitfield, teacher Gina Mickler, Caroline Richardson, Isabelle Cloy and Nolan Tricker

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Mar. 9

The school cafeteria workers marked National School Breakfast Week with a T-shirt design contest. Four students were declared winners and took home special prize packs.
(l-r) Cafeteria manager Lucy Kloppenburg-Murphy, student winners Andres Graber, Emily Steele, Jackson Duff and Joseph Wages, and assistant cafeteria manager Loma Chenoweth

Cherokee County School District

Sequoyah High, Mar. 9

U.S. Army recruiters challenged students to climb the U.S. Army's Rock Climbing Wall, a structure with three degrees of difficulty that pushes people to their physical limits. Those who made it all the way up received arm bands signifying that the conquered the wall. Here, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Donald Lapolt watches students Guadalupe Soberanis (l) and Emily Geoghagan scale the wall.

Cherokee County School District

Woodstock Elementary, Mar. 9

Three students -- (l-r) Frankie Martinez, Dylan Whitlock and Addy Gonzalez -- had their artwork featured in the Capitol Art Exhibit at the Georgia State Capitol. Their principal, Dr. Christy Bowling, and the school art teachers, Pam Morgan and Emily Pellegrino-Terry, are extremely proud of the students for having their work selected as among the best in the state.

This year's winners in the PTA Reflections contest were presented with certificates during a special banquet. The program, which challenges students to create compelling works of art across several disciplines, features an annual theme; this year, it was "Diversity means ..." Winners include Claudia Austin and Hector Rolan (kindergarten); Timmy Landers and Maggie McMahill (1st); Amanda Rolan and Maddie Domohowski (2nd); Hunter Deriso, Emilie Sanchez and Sarah Snowden (3rd); Alex Valverde, Madison Champion and Evan Austin (4th); and Angelina Piccirilli (5th).

Cherokee County School District

Creekview High, Mar. 8

Two Beta Club members placed in the club's statewide Scholastic Competition. Lizzie Perrin (l) won second place for creative writing and Abigail Sherrod placed first for her special talent -- opera. Both girls qualified for the national competition, where a $2,500 scholarship is at stake.

Cherokee County School District

Creekview High, Mar. 8

In honor of Read Across America Day, students continued the annual tradition of reading to the children at nearby Free Home Elementary.

Students Austin Montgomery and Destini Hinson placed first and second, respectively, in the Hickory Flat Optimist Club's chapter of the Optimist International Essay Contest. This year's theme was "How My Positive Attitude Benefits My Community."

Cherokee County School District

Mountain Road Elementary, Mar. 6

Cindy Dean (l), a special education teacher, received a $989.55 grant from the Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation. She plans to put the money toward "Improvement by Movement," a project she created. Sawnee Electric Membership Foundation director Lacelle Doss presented the check to Dean.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, Mar. 6

In recognition of Exceptional Children's Week, students participated in fitness activities while facing physical limitations, including lack of vision, hearing and mobility in their legs. Here, 5th grader Jacob Waters uses two scooter boards to travel across the gym floor, to give him an idea of what it's like to navigate a setting in a wheelchair.

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Mar. 6

The February Students of the Month were recognized for their exceptional academic performances, leadership qualities and character. "These students are to be commended for their extraordinary efforts," said principal Susan McCarthy.

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Mar. 5

Students participated in the Cherokee County School District's Japanese Art Exchange program, where they created artwork to send to schools in Japan. In return, Japanese students sent their artwork and handwritten certificates to the American students.
(l-r) Emily Irvin (3rd grade), art teacher Laure Dorr, Hailey Weeg (5th grade) and Pressley Reeves (4th grade)

Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal visited the school in honor of Read Across America Day. She read 'Who I'd Like to Be' to Laura Uszenski's kindergarten class.

Cherokee County School District

Clayton Elementary, Mar. 2

In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday (which is also Read Across America Day), students attended a special screening of the new movie 'Dr. Seuss' The Lorax' at Carmike Riverstone Cinemas.
(l-r) Chandler Cantrell, Bryce Kaman and 6th grade teacher Lisa Wright

Eight DECA students competed at the state-level conference in downtown Atlanta. Two of them -- Dylan Carson and Nich Stinson -- placed high enough to advance to the international contest in Salt Lake City later this year.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Hannah Kidd, Miranda Peters, Rachel Feltner and Sydney Anderson
BACK ROW: (l-r) Giovani Zullo, Dylan Carson, Wyatt Miller and Nich Stinson

Cherokee County School District

Creekland Middle, Mar. 2

Six students placed in the annual oratorical contest sponsored by the Optimist Club. Two of the winners -- McKenzie Lovelace and Preston Quarles -- took the top prize and will move on to the next level of competition.
(l-r) Claire Roop, Cabri Gordon, McKenzie Lovelace, Preston Quarles, Brian Dunn and Grant Foster

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Mar. 2

The February Teacher of the Month, 1st grade teacher Kimberly Campbell (r), was honored by her peers for being a team player and always displaying a positive attitude. Assistant principal Kim Montalbano presented Campbell with a $25 Walmart gift card.

Cherokee County School District

Oak Grove Elementary, Mar. 2

Connor Fisher, a 3rd grader, dressed up as Paul Revere for the school's 'Famous American Heroes' biography projects. Students were required to present their famous heroes to the class in a unique way; Connor chose to dress up, but some of his classmates made posters, put on puppet shows and even showed filmstrips.

Cherokee County School District

Canton Elementary, Mar. 2

Sally King (l), a 4th grade teacher, is the proud recipient of this month's Chick-fil-A 2nd Mile Award, which is given to a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty every single day. Principal Gwen Lince presented King with her award during a faculty meeting.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Mar. 2

The February Students of the Month were selected for displaying leadership skills, work ethics and positive character traits.
(l-r) Ansley Priddy, Mitchell Beversdorf, Hannah Mann, principal Kerry Martin, Holden Bedora, Austin Bocca and Mitchell Gallion

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Mar. 2

In honor of Read Across America Day, kindergarten teacher Selina Wingard read Dr. Seuss's 'Bartholomew and the Oobleck' to students. Then, the children rolled up their sleeves and made some bright green oobleck of their own! This activity also tied into their lessons about their properties of matter and whether certain items will sink or float.

BJ's Wholesale Club of Woodstock presented the school with $500 worth of gift cards to use for various upcoming events. Here, assistant principal Kim Montalbano (l) receives the gift cards from BJ's community relations specialist Susie Meacham. The school chorus will perform at BJ's at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 3 as part of the store's Customer Appreciation Day activities.

Sydney Sincula, a 2nd grader, sold 162 boxes of her delicious Girl Scout cookies to be donated to the school's Support the Troops donation drive.

Cherokee County School District

Holly Springs Elementary, Feb. 21

Izabella Mingolla, a 4th grader, raised $1,000 during the 2012 Jump Rope for Heart event, which benefits the American Heart Association. This isn't the first time Izabella has raked in the dough; she raised $660 as a 3rd grader, and $875 when she was in 2nd grade.
(l-r) Principal Dr. Dianne Steinbeck, Izabella Mingolla and Jump Rope for Heart sponsor Sharon Peters

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, Feb. 16

Joselin Ortuno, a 3rd grader, placed third in the Geography category at the 2012 Regional Social Studies Fair. Her project, "The Climate Where I Live," was a study of the climate in and around Alpharetta.

After reading some of Georgia author T.M. Taylor's short stories, students wrote letters to him and his publishing company. Taylor wrote back, then took it a step further by visiting the school and initiating a lively discussion about author's purpose, character development and personal anecdotes.

Principal Beth Long wanted students to know the meaning of Presidents' Day, so she invited Abraham Lincoln to speak about his life. Jasper-based actor Homer S. Sewell III makes a living by portraying Lincoln; his message of "never give up" and "be proud of your country" resonates with children. Sewell is also the author of 'Image in the Mirror,' an autobiography that includes his life as Lincoln and the joy of tracking down his biological parents and brothers after 49 years apart. He is pictured with students (l-r) Hannah Jennings, Caleb Dingman, Parker Cowart, James Perdue, Shelby Stephenson, Haley McCrink and Jalen Austin.

Author Alex Beard visited the school to wow students with tales of his travels to Africa. He also showed off some of his vivid illustrations, with a little help from 2nd grader Sarah Frasier.

Cherokee County School District

Etowah High, Feb. 9

The Cherokee County school board has elected Dave Svehla as the new head football coach. Svehla has previously coached at schools in El Paso, Ill. and Lincoln, Neb. "I have been a football head coach for 13 years, but feel the same excitement as year one. I want this program to be more than just what happens on the turf on Friday nights. I want it to be something that our players are proud to be a part of, and something they will remember the rest of their lives," he said.
(l-r) Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo, Dave Svehla and school board chairman Mike Chapman

The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team placed first in the elementary division at the region competition. The students will now move on to compete at the divisional level.
(l-r) Alli Cox, coach Valerie Lowery, Zach Vickers, Eli Weatherby, Cooper Phelps, Liberty Reilly, Joshua Lockhart, Elisabeth Byess, James Perdue and principal Beth Long
NOT PICTURED: Stephanie and Jonathan Bradley

Several members of the Class of 2012 have joined the ranks of Who's Who recipients. These students are recognized for outstanding academics, involvement in sports and clubs, and devotion to community service.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Anthony Zincone and Drew Hulse
SECOND ROW: (l-r) Natalie Swords, Morgan Hall, Amanda Lopez, Lauren Steves and Elisabeth Bradley
THIRD ROW: (l-r) Madison Lockaby, AnnMarie Sullivan, Alex Wiggins, Lora Skelton, Jenna Burris, Olivia Ortiz, Anna Higgins and Tim Goodbread
BACK ROW: (l-r) Trent Swords, Jay Freeman, John Thomas, Durazi Savasir and Wright Dyer

Cherokee County School District

Liberty Elementary, Feb. 8

The school's Response to Intervention (RTI) Strategy Team received the 2012 Star Award for Promising Practices during the annual Student Support Team Association for Georgia Educators conference in Athens. The team also served as keynote speakers; their talk was entitled "Collaboration, Cooperation and Effective Communication to Improve RTI within the Elementary School." RTI team members include (l-r) early intervention program teacher Emily Weber, special education teacher Lauren Roach, assistant principal Victoria Thom and school counselor Dr. Erin Poindexter.

"Finding Solace in Birmingham," a piece of art by senior Kelly Moore, placed second in the high school division of The Dream Art Contest: Visions of the Civil Rights Movement and America Today. Kelly received her $150 prize, plus $300 for her school, during an awards ceremony hosted by Congressman John Lewis and 11Alive's own Donna Lowry. When asked about the message of her piece, Kelly said, "I wanted to communicate the universal idea that love overcomes all evil. Throughout this process, I realized that the Civil Rights Movement wasn't necessarily about African-Americans overcoming the suppression of white people, but it was about love conquering evil. And by love, I mean the passion that those people had who fought for their human rights. Something as simple as two human beings holding each other during hardship made me realize that we all have the power to overcome adversity."

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Feb. 6

School counselor Tina Word is being honored during National School Counseling Week for all the time she puts into helping students and working on projects like the FalCan Food Drive, Career Day, Beta Club and Relay for Life.

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Feb. 6

The January Students of the Month were recognized for their dedication to academic excellence, good character and making friends with classmates.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Tyler Jones, Dellaina McCarthy and Aaron Nobles
BACK ROW: (l-r) Kelly Popp, principal Kerry Martin, Faith Mohundro and Mary Elizabeth Paris

Cherokee County School District

Woodstock Middle, Feb. 3

Students, including Ashley Stephens, raised more than $1,600 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by purchasing paper sneakers and holding a fundraising walk during their PE classes. "Way to go, WMS!" principal J. Mark Smith said.

Cherokee County School District

Little River Elementary, Feb. 3

Jenny Kramer, a 1st grade teacher, is one of 11Alive's most recent Class Act teachers. Kids and Schools reporter Donna Lowry visited the school and filmed Kramer in action. "Ms. Kramer and her class showed Ms. Lowry why she truly is a 'Class Act,'" principal Christian Kirby said. The segment is scheduled to air on 11Alive's 6 a.m. news on Monday, Feb. 13.
(l-r) Donna Lowry, Jenny Kramer and Christian Kirby

Cherokee County School District

Indian Knoll Elementary, Feb. 3

Genelle Hood, a 1st grader, has not missed a single day of school yet this year. Her teacher, Lisa Morris, rewarded her with a bicycle donated by Progressive Audiology.

Cherokee County School District

Holly Springs Elementary, Feb. 3

Donna Swindell's kindergarten students made puppets and sang songs to learn all about Groundhog Day, including what will happen in 2012 now that Georgia's groundhog, Gen. Beauregard Lee, didn't see his shadow . . .

The Beta Club raised more than $2,400 during its second annual Muscular Dystrophy Walkathon. Last year, the club raised the most money out of any Beta chapter in the country, and is on target to meet or exceed that amount in 2012.

Cherokee County School District

Hickory Flat Elementary, Feb. 1

The King Arthur Flour Company brought its Lifeskills Baking Program to the school, teaching students the science of baking and giving them materials to make their own bread at home. Nearly 200 students made two loaves of bread each -- one for their families and one for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. "This was a wonderful program to teach the students of Hickory Flat some very important life lessons, as well as learning the skills needed to bake bread," principal Dr. Keith Ingram said. Students Ansley Davis and Colton Roberts were chosen to help the King Arthur Flour representatives with their demonstration.

Cherokee County School District

Sixes Elementary, Feb. 1

The Upper Etowah River Alliance brought an environmental education program to students. All 1st graders, including Lauren Leszynski, got to make their own colorful dragonflies while learning about ecosystems and wildlife in Cherokee County.

Andrew Doerr and Jackson Taylor, both 4th graders, won first place at the Sequoyah Regional Technology Fair in January. Their creation -- a robotic arm -- will now become part of the state science fair in Macon in March.
(l-r) Jackson Taylor, principal Dr. Keith Ingram and Andrew Doerr

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Feb. 1

All of the students who have maintained perfect attendance enjoyed a party provided by Menchie's Frozen Yogurt. In addition, two lucky winners -- 5th grader Sirsha Dettmar and 6th grader Charles Gilliam -- were randomly selected to receive new bicycles as a reward for missing no days of school.
(l-r) Assistant principal Carolyn Daugherty, assistant principal Dan Fuller, Charles Gilliam, principal Susan McCarthy and Sirsha Dettmar

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Feb. 1

Jane Morris, a 5th grade teacher (l), is the January Staff Member of the Month. She was recognized by her peers for always going the extra mile for her students, and for co-captaining the school's Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl team, which placed second in the countywide competition. Principal Kerry Martin presented Morris with a $25 Walmart gift card to honor her for her hard work.

Cherokee County School District

Johnston Elementary, Jan. 27

Tianna Francis, a 5th grader, won the Cherokee County Water and Sewage Authority's sticker contest. She received a $50 prize, while her classmates received . . . you guessed it -- stickers!
(l-r) Cherokee County Water and Sewage Authority representative Lori Forrester, Tianna Francis and science teacher Lisa Whorton

In its first year, the Junior Beta Club is encouraging 5th graders to promote the ideals of service, character and leadership, and is rewarding meritorious achievement. Members plans to perform different service projects throughout the semester, including helping the Humane Society and promoting awareness of people with disabilities.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Will Moore, Brandon Gibson, Wesley Word, Bella Navarro and Kinsey Lax
MIDDLE ROW: (l-r) Junior Beta Club sponsor and 5th grade teacher Mrs. Whorton, Braelynn Lindberg, Logan Medley and Billie O'Bryant
BACK ROW: (l-r) Wyatt Bewley, Callie Perkins and Briana Bradley

Jennifer Forsyth, a biology teacher, was named Georgia's 2012 High School Science Teacher of the Year. "Cherokee County is fortunate to have dedicated, talented teachers like Jennifer Forsyth. She brings an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm to the classroom every day, and she is very deserving of such statewide recognition from her peers," Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Petruzielo said.

In honor of the 100th day of school, each classroom was challenged to collect 100 cans or boxes of food for Alive Ministries. Altogether, the students exceeded their goal by bringing in 2,638 food items; Mollie Dunn's 4th grade class collected the most food, with 273 items.

Cherokee County School District

Chapman Intermediate, Jan. 24

A group of 5th graders who are studying World War II got the chance to Skype with a hero: 90-year-old Syl Puccio, who was stationed aboard the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Puccio now lives in upstate New York; his son, John Puccio Sr., and grandson, John Puccio Jr., live in Cherokee County. Google "An Angel Sent by History" to learn more about Syl Puccio.

Cherokee County School District

Little River Elementary, Jan. 24

More than 400 people attended the school's annual chili cook-off and bingo night, where Cherokee County firefighters served as judges for the chili competition. The team of Bruce McCord and Rod Cox (pictured) took home the top prize.

Cherokee County School District

Holly Springs Elementary, Jan. 24

Marcia Boyd's kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school by having students make their own fun glasses.

Cherokee County School District

Mountain Road Elementary, Jan. 23

On the 100th day of school, kindergarten students drew pictures of how they thought they'd look at age 100, while 3rd graders (l-r) Trey Edmondson, Luke Sharpton, Emma Cooley and Rachel Verner listed 100 ones they plan to improve the world.

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, Jan. 23

Zero the Hero visited the school on the 100th day of classes, where she presented kindergartners with lollipops that said "I'm 100 days brighter." (Zero the Hero is really principal Tammy Castleberry in disguise -- but don't tell the students!)

Cherokee County School District

Hickory Flat Elementary, Jan. 20

The students in Nancy Hunter's kindergarten class celebrated the 100th day of school by building an enormous 100-shaped doorway in the hall.

Cherokee County School District

Macedonia Elementary, Jan. 20

The Cherokee County Schools superintendent and board members visited the school for a tour and a lunch. They were also treated to a performance from the school chorus.

Cherokee County School District

Ralph Bunche Preschool Center, Jan. 20

Former principal Frankie Shepherd (r) gave current principal Donna Adams (l) and the students a lesson about their school's history. The children learned that their school used to be called Hickory Log School, and that it served as Cherokee County's sole African-American school before it was renamed for U.S. Ambassador Ralph Bunche.

Perfect attendance paid off in a big way for two students. Principal Dianne Steinbeck treated 1st grader Ethan Kenol (l) to a Razor BoGo Pogo Stick and 5th grader Chance Skelton to a Mongoose bicycle -- all because the boys haven't missed a single day of school yet this year.

Emily Feyerabend, a 6th grader, won the school spelling bee. She will now go on to compete in the Cherokee County Spelling Bee on Jan. 24.
(l-r) Spelling bee runner-up Celeste Bibeau (4th grade), spelling bee coordinator Jill Johnson and Emily Feyerabend

Cherokee County School District

Mountain Road Elementary, Jan. 12

The Dads on Duty program encourages the fathers, older brothers and other male family members of students to volunteer at the school. Here, Dad on Duty Mike Fistel helps Anais Lopez and John Kapanowski find books to check out of the media center.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, Jan. 12

Paraprofessional Appreciation Day allowed teachers, students and staff members to show their love for the hard-working women who support the kids' educational processes. Each paraprofessional was treated to lunch and received a tumbler full of candy.
(l-r) Susan Day, Mel Gary, Bobbie Byrd, Joanne Waver, Wendy Comelitti and April Simmons (not pictured: Taylor Smith Johnson)

Cherokee County School District

Indian Knoll Elementary, Jan. 12

Thomas Brumbeloe, a 5th grader, won the school spelling bee. He will represent the school in the Cherokee County Spelling Bee on Jan. 24.
(l-r) Thomas Brumbeloe, principal Dr. Ann Gazell and spelling bee runner-up Jacob Carter (6th grade)

Northside Hospital-Cherokee gave the school an $814 grant to purchase first aid supplies for the clinic and cafeteria. "These supplies will help maintain a safe and sanitary environment at Arnold Mill Elementary School. The school is honored to be working with such a generous business partner," principal Kerry Martin said.
(l-r) Kerry Martin, school nurse Betty Miller, assistant principal Kim Montalbano and counselor Bob Jordan

Several 4th grade students were given the opportunity to watch a basketball game at Etowah High, the school they will someday attend. Their visit was sponsored by Operation Graduation, a program that encourages students to stay in school. Crowded around Talon, Etowah High's eagle mascot, are (l-r) Pierre Everett, Jacob Whitlock, Etowah High principal Keith Ball, Kylie Geist and Faith Ediaeholly

The food service staff recently held its second annual Holiday Stocking Giveaway, where crew members reward two students who always make their day a little brighter when walking through the lunch line.
FRONT ROW: Student winners Levi Jordan and Alexis Rocafort
MIDDLE ROW: Judy Popham and Louise Jones
BACK ROW: Peggy Pearson and Shirley Holcomb

Davie Arce, a 5th grader, is the first student to win 50 Buckaroo Coupons for being an all-around excellent student, displaying character, good behavior, respect and excellent decision-making skills. Arce (pictured with assistant principal Kim Montalbano) traded in his coupons for an RV land and water tank.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, Jan. 9

Isabella Garrett and Daniela Trejo used their 5th grade class's study of Henri Matisse to create their own Matisse-inspired works of art, which will be on display at the Capitol Art Exhibit in Atlanta in February.
(l-r) Isabella Garrett, art teacher Kay Martin and Daniela Trejo

Ashlee Scales, a 5th grader, won the school spelling bee. She will represent her school at the Cherokee County Spelling Bee on Jan. 24.
(l-r) Ashlee Scales, principal Dr. Keith Ingram and spelling bee runner-up Emelia Sengstock (5th grade)

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Jan. 6

Special education teacher Ines Haas (r) is December's Staff Member of the Month. Haas, who also coaches lacrosse at River Ridge High School, won a $25 Walmart gift card for always being willing to lend a hand and for acting as a translator when needed. She is pictured with principal Kerry Martin.

Cherokee County School District

Avery Elementary, Jan. 5

Kent Johnston, a 5th grader, is the winner of this year's school spelling bee. He will now go on to compete at the county level on Jan. 24.
(l-r) Assistant principal Kim Hagood, principal Letitia Cline, runner-up Riley Jones (5th grade), Kent Johnston and assistant principal Stacey Krutz

Cherokee County School District

Arnold Mill Elementary, Jan. 5

The December Students of the Month were recognized for being smart, respectful, kind and polite.
FRONT ROW: (l-r) Heidi Juarez, Gigi O'Hare and Grace Hamrick
BACK ROW: (l-r) Jonathan Lawson, principal Kerry Martin, Heath Roper and Sam Ballington

Cherokee County School District

Cherokee High, Jan. 4

Student Christian Jaimes and teacher Alicia Price, both members of the school's Air Force Junior ROTC program, traveled to Singapore in December as part of a cadet exchange program. Only nine cadets from four states were selected for the honor.

Cherokee County School District

Cherokee High, Jan. 3

Several students were initiated into the school's Alpha and Gamma Service Clubs at the beginning of the semester. Altogether, they have performed 7,310 hours of community service.